Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
Knox
I'm standing in the grand lobby, finishing a call with Fletcher about the Riverside project timeline.
"We'll discuss it when I'm back in New York," I say, wrapping up the conversation.
"Send me the updated projections by end of day tomorrow."
I end the call and slip my phone into my pocket.
7:02 pm.
I glance around the lobby, catching glimpses of the sea view through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The sun is beginning to set over the water, casting orange and gold across the horizon.
I turn back toward the elevators. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch movement. The elevator doors open and I hear the sharp clatter of heels on marble. I turn fully and see Winter.
She's absolutely breathtaking.
Her dress is black, fitted, sweeping the ground as she walks. There's a slit up the side that reveals her thigh with every step. The neckline plunges just enough—not too risky, but still extremely sexy.
Her hair is tousled, blonde waves falling loose around her shoulders. She's wearing just the right amount of jewelry—something that sparkles at her neck and ears, catching the light.
She walks toward me and I feel my dick twitch in my pants. I swallow and force myself to fix my face, to maintain composure. Winter reaches me and nods in greeting.
I glance at my watch, then back at her. "You're late."
She shakes her head slightly but doesn't respond.
What I really want to do is reach out, grab her, take her back upstairs to my suite and fuck her ten ways from Sunday.
But that might not be what she wants. I've been trying to read her ever since we were together the first time, and I still can't tell.
I motion with my hand for us to walk toward the exit.
The Maybach is waiting outside. The driver steps out immediately.
"Good evening, Mr. Sterling. Miss Hayes."
Winter walks past me toward the open door. As she does, I get a whiff of her—shampoo, something floral, and her perfume, subtle yet feminine. Sweet. Seductive. I inhale deeply through my nostrils, filling my lungs with the scent before I can stop myself.
Then I walk around to the other side of the car and get in.
The driver closes both doors and circles around to the front. The engine starts and we pull away from the resort. I look over at Winter. My eyes drift down to her legs, to her exposed thigh visible through the slit in the dress. She turns and looks my way as our eyes meet.
"You look stunning," I say.
Twenty minutes later, the car pulls up in front of the banquet hall and the chauffeur lets us out.
There's a red carpet leading up the steps into the entrance.
I can see Winter staring at the front of the building.
It's elaborate—grand columns, dramatic lighting, the kind of venue that makes a statement.
A few photographers and paparazzi are positioned out front, cameras ready. This type of function always draws them. Dignitaries, celebrities, billionaires and millionaires—the kind of crowd I'm used to navigating.
Winter has been to events like this before. She traveled with Rowan enough times to know the routine. She begins walking up the steps, grabbing the hem of her dress to lift it slightly. I put my hand out and our eyes lock.
"Allow me," I say.
Winter places her hand in mine and I help guide her up the stairs. The electric warmth between our hands is immediate, a sensation that travels up my arm and settles in my chest.
We walk through the entrance together and are greeted by the event coordinator standing near the guest list podium. She's dressed impeccably, hair pulled into a low bun, professional smile in place.
"Sterling plus one," I say.
She scans the list and nods.
"Yes, hello, Mr. Sterling. Welcome."
She motions for us to move along toward the ballroom. Inside, the space is massive. High ceilings, crystal chandeliers, tables draped in white linens and set with fine china. People are already mingling—some I recognize, many I don't.
I glance over at Winter and lean in slightly, lowering my voice.
"You should be a natural in here. Don't be nervous."
Winter looks at me and smiles. "I'm not nervous."
My lips almost curve into a smile. But I don't let them. Before we reach the seating area, I'm stopped by a couple of business colleagues.
"Sterling. Didn't expect to see you here," one of them says.
Winter keeps walking. I glance over my shoulder and watch her body move, migrating toward the middle of the room. I turn back to the two men in front of me. Simon and Gregory. Both investors I've worked with on past developments.
"Knox, good to see you," Simon says, extending his hand.
I shake it. "Likewise."
Gregory leans in. "Did you ever close the deal on that Chicago waterfront development?"
I raise an eyebrow. "Wouldn't you like to know? I'm sure you'll hear about it in Forbes."
Simon laughs. "Always so modest."
"It's part of my charm."
They continue talking, asking about market trends and upcoming projects, but I'm barely listening. I glance over my shoulder again, trying to keep my eye on Winter.
That's when I see it. She's stopped. Talking to a man. They're laughing, engaging like they know each other. The man leans in slightly, says something that makes Winter smile.
A tinge of fury rises in my chest. I have no idea what's coming over me, but I don't like it. I try to step away from Simon and Gregory, but another person intercepts me. Another colleague introducing me to his wife.
"Knox, this is my wife, Peggy. Peggy, this is Knox Sterling."
"Nice to meet you," I say, shaking her hand.
She smiles warmly and starts talking about the charity the event is supporting, but I'm not paying attention. My eyes are on Winter. She's still talking to that man. He's tall, dark hair, looks younger than me. Whatever he's saying, Winter is enjoying it.
I don't like this at all.
I excuse myself mid-conversation and stride toward them. My heart is beating in my ears, loud and insistent. I reach them and interrupt without hesitation.
"Excuse me."
I'm looking at Winter but glaring at the man beside her. I put my hand on the small of her back, firm and possessive.
"I just wanted to let you know our table is over here."
Winter looks at me. "Oh, thanks. I'll be right there."
She pauses.I look at her, then at the man, then back at her. I extend my hand toward him. I need to know who this is.
"Knox Sterling," I say.
The man looks at me and nods. "Tom Smith."
He pauses, then adds, "Sterling. Yeah, I know that name. You're infamous. Especially around these parts."
I hold his gaze, my jaw tight.
"I'm guessing you two know each other already?"
Winter's eyes widen slightly.
"Yes, actually. I know Tom from a project a couple years ago. I was working on a renovation in Manhattan."
"Yeah," Tom says, smiling at Winter.
"Winter was a great referral. Didn't actually expect to see her here."
He gives her a longing smile that makes my blood pressure spike.
"Well, that's great," I say flatly. I turn to Winter.
"We should probably go."
Winter raises one eyebrow at me.
"Okay. Well, I'm finishing up here—"
I interject. "Yeah. But I really want you to meet the client for the development we're working on. It's important you meet him."
Winter pauses. "Okay." She turns to Tom.
"I'll catch up with you a little later."
Tom smiles, that same stupid grin still plastered on his face.
"Sure. You'll owe me a drink and a dance perhaps."
I glare at him, disgust barely contained. Heat rises from my neck as I motion Winter toward our table, my hand on her lower back nudging her forward. Forcefully.
I can feel myself almost breaking a sweat.
"I'm coming," Winter says, and I can hear the irritation in her voice.
I guide her to our table and sit her down in front of her nameplate. Then I take the seat beside her as the last of the attendees make their way into the ballroom. The event host steps up to the microphone at the front of the room and begins welcoming everyone.
Winter leans over to me, her voice low.
"Well, where is the client you wanted me to meet so urgently?"
I look at her, my expression blank.
"What?" I say.
Winter's eyes go wide.
"You interrupted my conversation because you said I had to meet a client for the development." She motions with her hands, looking around the table.
"You made it sound like it was so urgent. So where are they?"
I deflect. "Not right now."
The hostess at the front of the room begins speaking over the microphone.
"Welcome everyone to this evening's banquet..."
Her voice fades into background noise as I lean in toward Winter, my chest heaving with rage I can barely contain.
"So was that an old flame or something?" I ask, the words pouring out of my mouth like a jealous boyfriend.
"He seemed rather smitten with you."
Winter glares at me. "No. We worked together on a renovation design. As I already said."
I nod, still heated, still perturbed. I lean in closer, lowering my voice but not enough.
"Oh, and what about the guy you were out with yesterday? Was he also someone you worked with?"
Winter's eyes lock on mine fiercely.
"I don't think that's any of your business."
"Oh but it is," I say, and I can barely control the words coming out of my mouth.
I continue. "I have hired not only your company for my project, but your reputation is important as well."
Winter snaps. "What the hell does that mean?" she whispers furiously.
I notice a few other attendees sitting at our table glance over at us. We're doing a very bad job at keeping our voices down.
The waitstaff has begun serving dinner. Around us, people are eating and talking, while Winter and I carry on this whispered but fiery exchange.
"It seems as if you just easily enjoy attention from random men," I say.
What I really mean is that I'm pissed she doesn't give me that type of attention. That she smiles at other men the way I only want her to be smiling at me.
Winter shakes her head, her eyes filled with rage.
"Unbelievable."